KWS RESCUES CONSERVATIONIST KUKI GALLMANN

At about 7.10 a.m. on Sunday 23rd April renowned conservationist and author Kuki Gallmann drove out of her home at Laikipia Nature Conservancy to inspect damage committed by arsonists to her property. Kuki Gallman is an Honorary Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Warden of long standing and her Conservancy hosts significant wildlife, making it an important wildlife conservation area.

She was followed in a separate vehicle by a platoon of KWS Rangers who are based at the Conservancy to provide wildlife surveillance and security. After inspecting the damaged property, Kuki was returning to her home when she was fired upon by suspected herdsmen and sustained bullet wounds in the abdomen. The KWS Rangers returned fire and were able to rescue her and returned her to her house where first aid was administered before taking her to the conservancy airfield where she was airlifted to Nanyuki for additional treatment and eventually to Nairobi for surgery.

We would like to commend the courageous and swift action by the KWS Rangers which was able to save an ardent conservationist. We would however condemn the unprovoked attack by the suspected herders which poses a security threat to residents and wildlife in Laikipia.